By NED X. GRIFFEN

On paper, the quarterfinals intrigued us more. Some were as riveting as we expected (Hyde v. Rocky Hill, Woodland v. Hartford Capital/Classical/Achievement). Some weren't (Hillhouse v. St. Joseph — hey, at least it snowed). Some were an absolute paddlin' (NFA v. Newtown, Xavier v. Greenwich).

Our spider sense tells us that most of the semis won't be as competitive as we'd like to be. Much like the NCAA basketball tournament, the best teams begin flexing their muscles more with each passing round.

Sure, there are are two games that no one here can figure out — Berlin v. Weston, and North Branford v. Hyde. The rest look like no-brainers, however.

One guarantee — we'll have a few Bill Mignault Specials today. That's a game that ends in two hours or less because a strong running game keeps the clock running. Ansonia v. Hyde, Berlin v. Weston and Hillhouse v. Montville fit the bill.

On the flip side, there's North Branford v. Woodland. Sunset is at 4:22 p.m., and this game may just be ending the third quarter at that time. Both teams love to chuck it, so a combination of touchdowns and incomplete passes may cause the timekeeper to break out in tears and/or go plumb loco.

Our gloomy forecast should NOT prevent you from getting your duff off the couch and attending a semi. It's going to be a beautiful day by December standards. There's no need to watch the NFL, either. The Giants play manana, the Patsies are going to gut the Aquatic Mammals, and the Jets and Cardinals should only be viewed the way one would observe a solar eclipse.

We again recommend that you follow the action in these simple ways:

■ Follow on Twitter at #dayfb and #cthsfb

■ Watch at CIAC.tv. Both MSGVarsity.com and CPTVSports (where available) will broadcast two games, too.

■ Listen to the affable George DeMaio, who will broadcast Hand v. Masuk on WELI-960 AM.

WORDS: The teams have a lot of similarities. Both run the spread option. Both have lots of speed and weapons (Staples averages a state-best 502 yards and 51 points). Staples throws better, though, and we worry about the Wildcats should they be forced into passing situations. The Wreckers are also more experienced because most of them played in last year's state final.

WORDS: Glastonbury's starting lineup boasts as many top athletes as any team in the state. Its problem is that the Falcons have been on a path of rage ever since they trailed Hillhouse of New Haven by 28 points in the fourth quarter. Xavier rallied to win that game, 50-49. Since then, it's outscored opponents 197-52. Again, PATH OF RAGE.

WORDS: Masuk is going to have a hard time moving the ball as Hand has a pretty nasty defense. It'll be interesting to see what approach the Hand defense takes to guard Milone, one of the state's most dynamic threats. Do the Tigers have someone follow his every move, or do they drop several defenders into coverage and drill Milone and the Panthers' receivers like they did in last season's 35-14 semifinal win?

WORDS: The biggest storyline headed into the game is Gombotz' status. He injured his ankle in Tuesday's quarterfinal win over Bullard-Havens of Bridgeport and is a game time decision. If he can't go, then it's on McLeod and Main to carry the ball. The Redcoats have an edge in experience as many of them played in last season's semifinal loss to Ansonia.

WORDS: Hillhouse and St. Joseph began the tournament as the best teams in the field, and Hillhouse beat the latter in Tuesday's quarterfinal (34-14). Montville have the size to push the Academics around, an approach Xavier used to wear the latter down. The Indians' power running game could serve them well today as they needs to keep Hillhouse's offense off the field.

WORDS: You won't be bored by this game. North Branford averages 450 yards and 48 points; the Hawks average 376 yards and 41 points. Both love to throw, throw, throw, throw. Kingsley set the state-record for most TDs in a season in Wednesday's quarterfinals. The Thunderbirds are a better running team (214 yard average).